New Zealand boss Steve Hansen has taken another mischievous swipe at the British and Irish Lions ahead of their clash with the Crusaders, saying that the tourists are lacking in confidence because some players are "still trying to find out who their mate is".

Hansen was quick to respond to comments made by Warren Gatland after the Lions' 22-16 loss to the Blues on Wednesday where the tourists' boss stated there wouldn't be much difference between the Super Rugby side and the All Blacks, something Hansen dismissed.

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The All Blacks coach said: "I just think he was trying a bit of humour after struggling a wee bit with his press conference before.

"I don’t think there is any comparison between Test rugby and Super Rugby, but he’s probably just trying to make a light comment. I don’t really know."

Lions head coach Warren Gatland after the tour match (Image: PA)

And ahead of the Lions' clash with the Crusaders at the AMI Stadium, Hansen has stuck the knife in once again, this time saying the tourists "still haven't got it together" despite adding that the current squad assembled by Gatland is the strongest ever to travel.

"I wouldn't say I'm expecting that X-factor from what I've seen so far on the tour, although if you look back at what those players are doing for their home countries, there is plenty of it," said the 58-year-old.

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"You would expect an international team to beat a franchise team. And I've always said this is the best Lions side to come here.

"But the Crusaders are on a roll, full of confidence at the moment and full of All Blacks. The Lions probably don't have much confidence, because they still haven't got it together. Against the Blues there were guys out there still trying to find out who their mate is."

Gatland has made wholesale changes to his side from the defeat to the Blues for their third tour game against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Ospreys and Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones will skipper the side in the absence of Sam Warburton who misses out with an ankle injury, with four other Welshmen being named in the Lions' starting XV.